here’s why i’m talking with strangers.
i’m waiting alone at the bus stop. i’m using my handy dandy “catch the bus” app, so when i see the glowing orange light of an approaching bus i’m a bit surprised. the app says i still have 5 minutes to wait.
as the bus gets closer, i see it’s the #10. ah ha, see, i’m waiting for the #9.
the brakes screech their protest as the driver slows for me — a potential rider.
he opens the door and makes eye contact.
i shake my head.
he points up, presumably at the sign labeling the bus as a #10, making sure i’m sure this isn’t the bus i want.
i smile and motion to him to continue on.
he waves and closes the door, off to the next stop.
it appears whole conversations can be had without speaking at all.